Christmas in Seville – Information Guide Seville for Christmas

Sevilla Christmas Celebrations and Tourist Guide – Seville Christmas Markets

Christmas in Seville is a blend of deep-rooted traditions and modern celebrations that stretch from early December to January 6th, also known as Three Kings’ Day. The city comes alive with sparkling lights, Christmas markets, and special events like the Feria del Belén.

When is Christmas Celebrated in Seville?

In Seville, Christmas celebrations start around early December and go all the way until January 6th, which is the day of the Epiphany or “Three Kings’ Day” (Día de Reyes). The main days for celebrations are Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), Christmas Day (Navidad), New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja), New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo), and finally, Three Kings’ Day.

Christmas Eve is a big family affair. People often have a big dinner with family and then many go to Midnight Mass. Christmas Day is also family-centred, usually involving another big meal and the sometimes the exchange of gifts.

New Year’s Eve is another big celebration, often with parties, fireworks, and the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the coming year.

Three Kings’ Day on January 6th is especially important for kids. This is when they often get their main Christmas gifts, which are said to be brought by the Three Wise Men. The night before, there’s a big parade featuring the Wise Men, and it’s one of the most popular events of the holiday season.

Date	Event/Day
Dec 24	Christmas Eve (Nochebuena)
Dec 25	Christmas Day
Dec 31	New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja)
Jan 1	New Year’s Day
Jan 5	Three Kings’ Eve
Jan 6	Three Kings’ Day (Epiphany)

Seville Christmas Lights and Tree

In Seville, the Christmas lights are a big deal and really add to the holiday spirit. The most impressive lights are usually found in the city centre, especially along the main shopping streets like Calle Sierpes and Avenida de la Constitución. The area around the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda also gets all lit up and looks amazing.

As for the Christmas tree, one of the best ones is often set up in Muelle de las Delicias, near the port. Another great tree is usually found in Plaza San Francisco, close to the City Hall.

Seville Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Seville usually start popping up in early December. The markets are filled with holiday decorations, gifts, and lots of traditional Spanish Christmas treats.

One of the most famous Christmas markets is the Feria del Belén, which focuses on all things related to nativity scenes, or “belénes.” You can buy individual figures, stables, stars, and pretty much anything you’d need to build your own nativity at home.

Another popular spot is the Muelle de las Delicias, a market that’s usually set up near the river. This one’s got a broader range of stuff, including crafts, food, and even some rides and games for kids.

The city centre, especially around the main shopping areas, also has smaller Christmas markets where you can pick up last-minute gifts and treats.

Traditional Seville Christmas Food

• Mantecados – Iconic crumbly shortbread cookies flavored with cinnamon and sometimes lemon zest. A Christmas favorite to enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate.
• Polvorones – Another beloved Christmas cookie, these are made from flour, butter, sugar and nuts resulting in a soft, crumbly texture. Also popular for dunking.
• Turrón – This dense nougat confection comes in hard and soft varieties studded with nuts and dried fruit. It’s a Christmas must-eat across Spain.
• Mazapán – A cousin to marzipan, this molded treat consists of almond meal, sugar and egg whites fashioned into seasonal shapes like stars or figurines.
• Roscón de Reyes (King’s Ring Cake )– This giant donut-shaped cake is decorated with candied fruits representing crowns and jewels. Customarily eaten on Three Kings Day.

Visiting Seville at Christmas

Visiting Seville at Christmas is a great idea if you like festive vibes. The city lights up with awesome decorations and there are Christmas markets where you can buy gifts and local crafts. Special events like live music and nativity scene displays are all around the city. You’ll also get to try some unique holiday food like turron and polvorones. It’s usually not too cold, but bring a jacket just in case.

Unlike other European countries, you will still find some bars and restaurants open on Christmas day, with the larger celebrations happening on other days (such as January 6th).

Most of the top attractions are still open around Christmas, with some, such as the Cathedral, decorated in extra special festive ways!

The streets can get quite busy, especially in the evenings when locals come out to celebrate, do Christmas shopping and check out the light shows!